Largemouth Bass

Southern Illinois offers some fantastic largemouth bass fishing, and Creal Springs puts you in a great location to take advantage of it. Nearby, you'll find options like Lake of Egypt and several smaller lakes and ponds, each offering its own unique character. Spring and fall are the most productive times to target largemouth. During the spring, focus on shallow, weedy areas as the bass move in to spawn. In the fall, look for them near points and drop-offs as they feed up for the winter. Local tip: Lake of Egypt can get crowded, so consider fishing during the week or exploring some of the smaller, less-pressured lakes. Largemouth in this region are known for being relatively aggressive, so don't be afraid to experiment with different lures and presentations. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastic worms are all local favorites.